★A research article by Assistant Professor Ryuta Kuwamizu, Professor Emeritus Hideaki Soya and colleagues was published in Imaging Neuroscience
A research article by Assistant Professor Ryuta Kuwamizu of ARIHHP, University of Tsukuba (co-first author), Visiting Professor Hideaki Soya of the Center for Cybernics Research, University of Tsukuba (corresponding author and former ARIHHP directer), Lecturer Chorphaka Damrongthai of Rangsit University (co-first author), and their colleagues has been published in the international journal Imaging Neuroscience and featured in a University of Tsukuba press release.
The study investigated whether 10 minutes of slow running at a very light intensity could improve mood, executive function, and prefrontal cortical activity. Twenty-four healthy young adults performed slow running at approximately 35% of their peak oxygen uptake, corresponding to a speed of approximately 3–6 km/h.
These findings suggest that even very-light-intensity slow running can simultaneously improve mood and executive function and provide insight into the underlying prefrontal mechanisms. Slow running may therefore represent an accessible exercise strategy for people with low physical fitness or limited confidence in exercise.
[Article information]
Title: Slow running benefits: Boosts in mood and facilitation of prefrontal cortex function even at very light intensity
Authors: Chorphaka Damrongthai#, Ryuta Kuwamizu#, Yudai Yamazaki, Naoki Aoike, Dongmin Lee, Kyeongho Byun, Ferenc Torma, Kazuki Hyodo, Worachat Churdchomjan, Michal A. Yassa, Kazutaka Adachi, and Hideaki Soya*
Journal: Imaging Neuroscience
Published online: July 8, 2026
DOI:10.1162/IMAG.a.1297
Press Release:
https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/journal/medicine-health/20260713140000.html
Press Release(PDF):
https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/journal/pdf/p20260713140000.pdf
Open Access:
https://doi.org/10.1162/IMAG.a.1297
